Senate delivers on promise to pass abortion bill

By David Rauf, Staff Writer

Updated 2:03 am, Saturday, July 13, 2013

Two female protesters are escorted out of the Texas Capitol Friday evening, July 12, 2013, by DPS officers. It is unclear if they were arrested and what the charges were; reports were conflicting. Video by Kolten Parker

Media: Express News

AUSTIN — Senate Republicans Friday pushed through strict new abortions laws, claiming victory in a contentious battle at the Legislature and making Texas one of the toughest states in which to have the procedure.

The Senate voted 19-11 to pass the bill and make good on a vow from the state's top two leaders to pass the bill after it was derailed by a filibuster and raucous protests in the gallery last month.

The bill now goes to Gov. Rick Perry for his signature. He has said he intends to sign the bill.

The final showdown kicked off Friday.

Much of the suspense and drama that filled the Capitol the evening that the bill failed to pass on the last month has been zapped. There's no hype about a marathon filibuster and no threat the clock will run out on Republicans this time.

Senators debated for hours, as Democrats offered a flurry of amendments. Each amendment was slapped down by the Republican majority — the same way tweaks offered by Democrats were rejected in the House and in a Senate panel earlier this week.

Photo: TOM REEL

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DPS troopers keep protestors from re-entering the Capitol building after the Senate debates passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

DPS troopers keep protestors from re-entering the Capitol building after the Senate debates passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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DPS officers stabilize a man after he was injured in the ruckus after the Senate passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

DPS officers stabilize a man after he was injured in the ruckus after the Senate passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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A protestor is hauled away by DPS officers after the Senate passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

A protestor is hauled away by DPS officers after the Senate passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Wendy Davis leans on Carlos Uresti as they exit a rally in front of the Capitol after the Senate passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Wendy Davis leans on Carlos Uresti as they exit a rally in front of the Capitol after the Senate passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Angry protestors rally on the front steps of the Capitol after the Senate passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Angry protestors rally on the front steps of the Capitol after the Senate passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Angry protestors rally on the front steps of the Capitol after the Senate passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Angry protestors rally on the front steps of the Capitol after the Senate passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Senator Royce West (D-Dallas) introduces Cecile Richards on the steps of the Capitol after the Senate passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Senator Royce West (D-Dallas) introduces Cecile Richards on the steps of the Capitol after the Senate passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Senator Royce West (D-Dallas) introduces Cecile Richards on the steps of the Capitol after the Senate passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Senator Royce West (D-Dallas) introduces Cecile Richards on the steps of the Capitol after the Senate passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Lt. Governor David Dewhurst gavels in the bill as the Senate passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Lt. Governor David Dewhurst gavels in the bill as the Senate passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, San Antonio Express-News

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DPS troopers watch over the remaining crowd as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

DPS troopers watch over the remaining crowd as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Senator Eddie Lucio (D-Brownsville) as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Senator Eddie Lucio (D-Brownsville) as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Senator Donna Campbell cites documents to support her case as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Senator Donna Campbell cites documents to support her case as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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A protestor is removed as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

A protestor is removed as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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A protestor is removed as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

A protestor is removed as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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DPS troopers keep protestors from re-entering the Capitol building after the Senate debates passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

DPS troopers keep protestors from re-entering the Capitol building after the Senate debates passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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DPS troopers keep protestors from re-entering the Capitol building after the Senate debates passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

DPS troopers keep protestors from re-entering the Capitol building after the Senate debates passes abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Senator Wendy Davis (D-Fort Worth) watches the debate wind down as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Senator Wendy Davis (D-Fort Worth) watches the debate wind down as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, San Antonio Express-News

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Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, San Antonio Express-News

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Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Cecile Richards greets supporters as she walks through the Capitol Friday evening as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Cecile Richards greets supporters as she walks through the Capitol Friday evening as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Pro choice supporters gather for a rally in the rotunda as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Pro choice supporters gather for a rally in the rotunda as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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During a five minute recess, Senator Wendy Davis (D- Fort Worth) makes a visit to see supporters in the rotunda with Senator John Whitmire (D-Houston) along with Royce WEst (D-Dallas) and Sylivia Garcia (D-Houston) as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013. less

During a five minute recess, Senator Wendy Davis (D- Fort Worth) makes a visit to see supporters in the rotunda with Senator John Whitmire (D-Houston) along with Royce WEst (D-Dallas) and Sylivia Garcia ... more

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Lt. Governor David Dewhurst presides over a huddle of senators after a point of order was brought up as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Lt. Governor David Dewhurst presides over a huddle of senators after a point of order was brought up as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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DPS troopers check bags before admitting people into the Senate chamber as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

DPS troopers check bags before admitting people into the Senate chamber as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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DPS troopers check bags before admitting people into the Senate chamber as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

DPS troopers check bags before admitting people into the Senate chamber as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Demonstrators fill the rotunda as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Demonstrators fill the rotunda as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Demonstrators fill the rotunda as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Demonstrators fill the rotunda as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Demonstrators fill the rotunda as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Demonstrators fill the rotunda as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Demonstrators fill the rotunda as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Demonstrators fill the rotunda as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Demonstrators fill the rotunda as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Demonstrators fill the rotunda as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Volunteers pass out bottles of water as people wait to get into the Senate chamber as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Volunteers pass out bottles of water as people wait to get into the Senate chamber as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Waiting in line to enter the legislative chamber, a spectator takes a nap as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Waiting in line to enter the legislative chamber, a spectator takes a nap as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Father Jeremiah Shryock (left) and Brother Seamus Laracy wait in line to get into the Senate as demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013. less

Father Jeremiah Shryock (left) and Brother Seamus Laracy wait in line to get into the Senate as demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion ... more

Photo: TOM REEL

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Wendy Davis (D- Fort Worth) argues against the bill as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Wendy Davis (D- Fort Worth) argues against the bill as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Wendy Davis (D- Fort Worth) argues against the bill as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Wendy Davis (D- Fort Worth) argues against the bill as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL

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Mark Clinto holds his sign in the rotunda as demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Mark Clinto holds his sign in the rotunda as demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Spike Gillespie (left) and Margaret Halpin stand in the rotunda as demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Spike Gillespie (left) and Margaret Halpin stand in the rotunda as demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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The line to get into the chamber stretches down the steps as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

The line to get into the chamber stretches down the steps as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Demonstrators voice their opinion as the Capitol building fills before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Eden Davisson holds a Texas flag as she waits outside before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Eden Davisson holds a Texas flag as she waits outside before the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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DPS troopers watch the gallery as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

DPS troopers watch the gallery as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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DPS troopers watch the gallery as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

DPS troopers watch the gallery as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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DPS troopers watch the gallery as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

DPS troopers watch the gallery as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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DPS troopers watch the gallery as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

DPS troopers watch the gallery as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Senator John Whitmire (D-Houston) questions the bill as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Senator John Whitmire (D-Houston) questions the bill as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News

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Senator Glenn Hegar talks about his bill as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

Senator Glenn Hegar talks about his bill as the Senate debates passage of abortion legislation on July 12, 2013.

State Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, said it looks like the bill's author state Sen. Glenn Hegar, is playing politics by combining a proposal to enact a 20-week ban with three other measures to create one mega piece of abortion-restriction legislation.

He also hit Hegar on Republicans shooting down every amendment Democrats have proposed so far, strongly advocating for an amendment that state Sen. Carlos Uresti unsuccessfully offered in committee to exempt victims of rape and incest from the 20-week ban.

“Is it your position as the sponsor that this is a perfect piece of legislation?” Whitmire asked.

A female protester was escorted out of the Texas Capitol Friday evening by DPS officers. It is unclear if she was arrested and what the charge is, reports were conflicting. Video by Kolten Parker

Media: Express News

“You have never heard me say ... that any piece of legislation in the form it sits here is the best possible under every scenario. Nor have I ever said I would take no amendment whatsoever,” Hegar responded.

Outside the chamber, opponents of the bill roared with chants.

Hundreds in blue and orange shirts also filled the gallery.

More than 25 Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers kept watch, with some officers positioned to face the crowd directly in front of the galley rails. There also were reports of DPS troopers confiscating a swath of items before folks entered the gallery, including tampons, food or anything that could be chucked onto the Senate floor.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst made clear from the start that no disruptions will be tolerated, and the entire gallery could be cleared if folks get rowdy. That includes applause, signs, demonstrations or outbursts of any kind.

“I hope that actions of a few wouldn't remove your ability to be in this gallery and watch this process,” he said.

Protesters in the gallery remained defiant.

“There are a lot of angry women, and we're not afraid of going to jail,” said Lisa Fithian, a 52-year-old political activist from Austin who opposes the bill. “If that's what it takes, that's what it takes.”

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Hallie Boas, who was one of five activists arrested Tuesday for an outburst in the House, said she will “scream and yell” from the gallery if it looks like Senate Republicans are trying to give Democrats the shaft.